Telling the story of LSE

The very first students arrived at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) on 10 October 1895. Today the LSE History Timeline and Blog commemorate the people, places and sometimes quirky events that make up the story of LSE, from 1895 to the present day. In 2020 we celebrated our 125th anniversary.

Commissioned in 2013, the LSE History Timeline seeks to provide a comprehensive and visually engaging introduction to the School’s fascinating history. The Timeline chronicles the Schools’ significant events from its inception through to the present day. The accompanying LSE History Blog explores further, with in-depth posts to showcase LSE’s – often hidden – history.

Find out more about LSE history

Our first years: LSE was founded by social reformers Sidney and Beatrice Webb, Graham Wallas and dramatist George Bernard Shaw. The idea and means to found LSE came in August 1894 as a result of a legacy in a will. The School opened in 1895 to evening students in rooms on Adelphi Street in central London, led by 29 year-old William Hewins. Find out about the people, plaes and events of our first years.

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